Waipapa Bay in Kaikoura is an exposed beach break that is usually a safe bet. Autumn and winter are the best times of year for waves. Offshore winds are from the north. Waves just as likely from local windswells as from distant groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the southeast. The beach breaks offer lefts and rights. Best around mid tide when the tide is rising. Rarely crowded here. Be wary of rips - they make surfing here dangerous.